Polly and the Screen Time Overload by Betsy Childs Howard

Polly and the Screen Time Overload gently points young children away from electronic fascinations to the quieter joys of real life.

Polly and the Screen Time Overload by Betsy Childs Howard, illustrated by Samara Hardy. Crossway, 2022, 32 pages

Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 4-8

Recommended for: ages 4-6 as a read-aloud, 6-8 independent readers

Polly’s favorite time of the year is her late-July birthday—not just because of presents, but because she gets to spend that week at her grandparents’ farm with her two cousins. A whole week of barely-supervised play in the sunlight and fresh air, with “twenty-eight chickens, give pigs, three cows, and a horse named Mustard” can’t be beat. But this year, on her arrival, a special present from her Aunt Patty was waiting for her: her very own iTab! Immediately enchanted with funny-animal videos and electronic games, she ignores the real animals and cousin-games right outside. Until the battery dies.

The ending may be predictable, but the presentation substitutes good-natured storytelling for preachiness, and young readers with tablets should be able to relate, even if they don’t give up their electronics as cheerfully as Polly does. Though clearly a teaching story, the medicine goes down easier with engaging pictures and happy animals, and parents can appreciate the thoughtful advice and tips at the end of the story.

Overall Rating: 4 (out of 5)

Worldview/moral value: 5Artistic/literary value: 4

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Also at Redeemed Reader

Reviews: For parents, see our reviews of the Tech-Wise Family and 12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You.Reviews: Middle-graders will enjoy two cautionary tech tales: Josh Baxter Levels Up and Katie Friedman Gives Up Texting.

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